Russell, John, 1st Earl

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Russell, John, 1st Earl (1792–1878) British statesman, Liberal prime minister (1846–52, 1865–66). Russell became a Whig MP in 1813. As paymaster general, he introduced the Great Reform Bill (1832). Russell was one of the founders of the Liberal Party. Conservative divisions over the repeal of the Corn Laws helped Russell succeed Sir Robert Peel as prime minister. His first administration collapsed following the resignation of his foreign secretary, Viscount Palmerston. Russell returned as foreign secretary (1852–55) in Aberdeen's coalition, but retired after accusations of incompetent handling of the Crimean War. He returned as foreign secretary (1859–65) under Palmerston and became prime minister again on Palmerston's death. The defeat of a new Reform Bill (1866) curtailed his second term. See also Reform Acts

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Russell, John, 1st Earl

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